Interesting i didnt know that they had a different classification than our 2000+. Were they any different than ours besides engine/tranny?

all engines were the same, but overseas they offered a diesel engine. trannies were all the same, as well as tc's. biggest visual differences between the two was the rear bumper...the WG's had rear foglamps built in, and the rear seat has actual 3-place seating (three sets of 3-point seatbelts and 3 head rests) -

i wish i could have gotten the CRD as an option on my WJ. anyone got a guess on how much it would be to import/install just the engine? (you don't really have to answer that, i know it would be my arm, leg and first born)

you wouldn't have to import the engine...those WG's are built here and then shipped over there. You could get the engine if you begged enough, but the grade of diesel fuel available here is nowhere near as pure as that available overseas.